Aditi Singh claims Raebareli is no longer a Cong stronghold

Former Congress MLA Aditi Singh is contesting the prestigious Raebareli (Sadar) seat again, this time on a BJP ticket, and has challenged Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to do the same. The Rae Bareli meeting seat is part of the Rae Bareli Lok Sabha constituency, which is represented by Sonia Gandhi, the Congress president. 

Aditi Singh, who joined the BJP in November of last year, told.com that Raebareli is no longer a Congress stronghold because the grand prior celebration "never paid notice" to the people and their difficulties.

In her first election without her father, five-time Raebareli (Sadar) MLA Akhilesh Kumar Singh, who died in 2019, Singh stated that the people of Raebareli have stepped up to fill the vacuum left by her father. "When my father died, the people of Raebareli rallied around me like a family. When it comes to the elections... My father had won this seat several times, whether as a Congress MLA or as an Independent, primarily because of the work he did for the people of Raebareli. The heritage lives on, and I'm doing everything I can within my means."

Singh also expressed confidence that the BJP would win Raebareli for the first time this time. "This is the first time the Lotus will blossom in Raebareli (Sadar) seat. On March 10, a new chapter in the BJP's history will be written in Raebareli, and I'm really excited to represent the party."

Interview excerpts 

So, despite Priyanka Gandhi's 'Ladki Hun, Lad Saki Hun' marketing push, which provided 40% seats to females, what caused you to say your final goodbye to the Congress?

When it comes to these slogans, people understand and perceive that they are just political campaigning. It's completely bogus if there's nothing on the bottom and it doesn't transfer to anything. If you're truly committed to the cause, why aren't you implementing this policy in other states where you're in a far stronger position than Uttar Pradesh? 

I just find it so bizarre that they presume people aren't bright enough to see through it. You guarantee 40% tickets in Uttar Pradesh, but why not in other states where women haven't even been awarded 20% representation? Only two women have been assigned to the 28 seats available in Goa.

In the 2017, the Congress had seven MLAs in the UP Meeting. They are well aware of their current situation, and they are well aware that they have nothing to gain in Uttar Pradesh, which is why they are handing out such lollipops. I would have been quite impressed if they had done a corresponding announcement in Punjab or another state.

There have been analyses done on Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's chances of winning the Raebareli seat…

That, I believe, will be fantastic. She'd genuinely be aware of who and what she's up against. I believe it will just clarify a number of issues once and for all, and I encourage her to run from Raebareli. 

I'm not sure why they ignored the people of Raebareli and Amethi (Rahul Gandhi's former constituency). The people of Raebareli and Amethi have been more forgiving than the rest of the world. These areas were once regarded to as bastions, and people voted for them regardless of what, but the Congress people simply don't care about the people of Raebareli and Amethi.

It might be awkward for them to return to Raebareli or Amethi to appeal for votes, since as soon as the elections are completed, the Congress leaders simply don't care about the people who voted for them against all odds.

Is Aditi Singh presenting Priyanka Gandhi with an open challenge to run for Raebareli Sadar?

Completely positive, if that's what you need to call it.

So why is it only the BJP and not the SP or BSP?

I'm thinking of our honourable Prime Minister and his management team. I'm also grateful for the outstanding work that our Chief Minister has done for the state of Uttar Pradesh. These are the things that drew me to the BJP in the first place. 

Our CM's sheer political determination and accessibility of ideas... When it comes to a fledgling political career, strong mentors are required, which is something that may be lacking in the Congress. The BJP is, without a doubt, the most disciplined party, and it reveals, unlike my previous party.